Stadia Pro giveaway is live for existing and former subscribers in the U.S.

The holiday season is here and we are all busy recognizing gifts for loved ones. Well, at least Google did it. For all the game freaks, Stadia is giving away a free 30-day membership of Pro to its existing and former subscribers in the United States. However, Hawaii and Guam are excluded from the privilege. But it will surely lure some new users and the older ones back.

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All the existing and former subscribers of Stadia Pro have received a promotional code via email. Claiming this code, the user can access over three dozen games and stream Control. That means you can play Ultimate Edition, Mafia III, Moto GP 20, Grime, Hitman, and many more games right from the cloud without downloading.

If you are an eligible user, watch out for your inbox as you could receive the code anytime in case you already haven't. Simply click on the “Redeem Code” button in the email to claim your free subscription. Thereafter, sign in to your Stadia account > tap on the Profile icon > go to “Stadia Settings” > click “Redeem Code”. Be quick as you have only until January 15, 2022, to claim your code, or else, it will expire.

After your freebie expires, you can remain subscribed for just $9.99 per month. If you don't wish to be charged, make sure you play a handful of games in a month. Unfortunately, you can not gift this code to anyone else so make sure you count!

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The first batch of Xiaomi's MIUI 13 update leaked!

Xiaomi‘s next-gen skin iteration, MIUI 13 is around the corner and expected to launch by the end of this year or early 2022. Before its official release, some leaks have revealed the first batch of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones that will receive the new MIUI 13 update.

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To mention, more than 30 Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco smartphones are qualified to get the new package. Out of which a total of seven flagships are under the MIUI 13 beta phase.

According to render leaks, the first flagships to get the MIUI 13 update will be the Xiaomi 11 and Xiaomi 11 Ultra. Accompanying these devices will be the duo from the sub-brand— Redmi K40 Pro and the Redmi K40 Pro+.

Fortunately, the Xiaomi 11 Youth Edition has also made it to the list of the first batch of devices to get MIUI 13 update. Considering that the smartphone is not a premium offering but a mid-range device, the listing will be exciting!

Needless to say that the first batch will include a few more handsets by the company. However, we do have to wait for an official announcement in order to have a solid list with us. As always, initially, the MIUI 13 will make way for the devices in the home country, later followed by the rest of the regions.

The MIUI 13 is expected to squash some existing features. But it will carry some new attributes along with a revamped design. “MIUI is in full swing making every effort to improve and will definitely do better,” says Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s CEO. Check all the MIUI 13 features by tapping on the button below

MIUI 13 Features

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Samsung SmartThings update changes the Automations feature

Samsung‘s SmartThings app helps you to connect and control multiple devices quicker and easier, even from far locations. The SmartThing framework allows users to take control of smart devices from various associated apps. In the latest story, the Automations feature in the SmartThings app is getting changes.

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The latest SmartThings app update can be identified by version 1.7.73.22. Firstly, The upgrade renames the Automations feature to Routines, which falls more in line by the way. The Discover tab will give the user a glimpse of recommended Routines. Secondly, the ‘Add Routines’ menu now enlists the legacy SmartApps after flashing the update. Moreover, the user can also directly add Routines via the Device Details screen.

You can download the new version of the SmartThings app via the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store app. Keep in note that the update is limited to the Android platform as of now. Although the app is also available for iOS, Tizen smartwatches, Wear OS 3 smartwatches, Windows computers, and Tizen smart TVs.

Samsung has been consistently improving its smart home platform. Earlier this year, the app received a new update that bought a new user interface and an overall fresher look with a new color scheme, making it more convenient to manage connected devices. This update was followed by a version that drove certain enhancements including the home automation capabilities which made the functioning more efficient.

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OnePlus resumes stable OxygenOS 12 update for OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro

The stable OxygenOS 12 update was released for the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro a few weeks earlier. However, the company had to halt the rollout as users reported a plethora of bugs onboard. Finally, OnePlus has fixed these issues and resumed the stable rollout for the lineup.

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The fresh update is rolling out in India and North America. For the OnePlus 9, the package arrives on firmware versions LE2111_11_C.39 and LE2115_11_C.39 respectively. While for the Pro variant, the PDA number varies to LE2121_11_C.39 and LE2125_11_C.39.

OnePlus promises that the latest update addresses the issues brought by the previous OxygenOS 12 stable build. This includes problems like freeze issues, unable to connect to the mobile data in some cases, display problems, and multiple bugs. In addition, the company has issued a changelog that you can read below. Also, the left out glitches will be resolved soon with future updates, claims OnePlus.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Improved the smoothness of fingerprint unlocking
  
  
  • Optimized system power consumption to extend the battery life
  
  
  • Fixed the issue of screen tearing when back to the home screen in some games
  
  
  • Fixed the issue that the notification bar showed a blank bar
  
  
  • Updated Android Security Patch to 2021.12
  
  
  
  


• Camera
  
  
  
  • Improved the startup speed of the application
  
  
  • Improved the image effect of the rear camera
  
  
  
  


• Network
  
  
  
  • Fixed the issue that failed to connect to the mobile data in certain scenarios
  
  
  
  

The package will arrive as on OTA or you can force track it via the Software update section under the Settings app.

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Check out the new ColorOS update policy here!

Earlier, Oppo revealed the ColorOS 12 customized skin based on Android 12. Also, according to the updated timeline, the Find X3 Pro will be the first smartphone to get the stable version of the skin. Now, the company has published a new software update policy for its flagships. Scroll to know more!

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Oppo ColorOS update policy 2021 promises a total of seven years of update support. Out of which, the respective devices will receive three Major Android updates and four years of security updates. However, as always, the eligibility of receiving software updates depends on the series.

In keeping with the new update policy, the Oppo Find X series will get three major Android updates. While the company will provide only two years of Android updates to the Oppo Reno and Oppo F series. On the bright side, all of these flagships will get four years of security support. On the other hand, some selected A model handsets from the company will get a single Android update with three years of security updates.

Oppo ColorOS update policy 2021

• OPPO Find X Series
  
  
  
  • 3 Android Updates
  
  
  • 4 Years of Security Updates
  
  
  
  


• OPPO Reno Series
  
  
  
  • 2 Android Updates
  
  
  • 4 Years of Security Updates
  
  
  
  


• OPPO F Series
  
  
  
  • 2 Android Updates
  
  
  • 4 Years of Security Updates
  
  
  
  


• OPPO A Series
  
  
  
  • 1 Android Update (Select Models)
  
  
  • 3 Years of Security Updates
  
  
  
  

Keep in note that the new update policy is only applicable on the Oppo smartphones launched in 2019 or later.

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iQOO Neo5 SE key details leaked ahead of launch

The Chinese smartphone brand iQOO is expected to launch the iQOO Neo5s smartphone in China next week. Meanwhile, the key details and specifications of the iQOO Neo5 SE have surfaced online ahead of its official launch. The device will be an addition to the iQOO Neo5 series launched back in March.

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The iQOO Neo5 SE smartphone is set to launch on December 20 in China. It will be available in three color variants of Blue Gradient, Dark Blue, and White. Talking about the design, the front panel will feature a punch-hole display while a triple camera module will be housed at the back. As usual, the speaker grille and the USB Type-C port can be seen at the bottom. Likewise, the volume and power buttons are accommodated on the right side.

According to the leaks, the iQOO Neo5 SE could sport an LCD or an AMOLED screen. Moreover, it suggests the presence of a Snapdragon 778G SoC chipset under the hood. This could further be paired with 6GB, 8GB RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. Additionally, as per previous leaks, the device is tipped to support 66W fast charging. In the optics department, the teaser video divulges that the phone will house a triple rear camera led by a 50MP primary lens.

Unfortunately, the rest of the details like screen size, battery capacity, operating system, and price are still undercover. But the beans will be spilled in a few days. The device is scheduled to debut along with iQOO Neo5s on Monday.

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Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 4G receives MIUI 12.5 Enhanced update in India

The entire Xiaomi Mi 11 flagship in different regions has bagged up the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update. The package is now extending to the Mi 11 Lite 4G models in India. The smartphone was launched in April 2021 with Android 11 based MIUI 12 pre-installed.

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As of now, the latest update for the Xiaomi 11 Lite 4G is rolling out in India. The users in other markets don’t have access to this update yet, but they should receive it in the next few days. The Android 11 based update can be identified by the build number V12.5.3.0.RKQINXM weighing around 3.0 GB in size.

Concerning changes, the packages do not bring any new additions. However, it polishes the previous MIUI 12.5 by improving the fluidity of the system, making it run smoother than ever. Also, Xiaomi has issued an official changelog that you can see below:

Changelog

MIUI 12.5 Enhanced

• Swift performance: More life between the charges.


• Focused algorithms: Our new algorithms will dynamically allocate system resources based on specific scenes, ensuring a smooth experience on all models.


• Atomized memory: Ultra-fine memory management mechanism will make RAM usage more efficient.


• Liquid storage: New sensitive storage mechanisms will keep your system vibrant and responsive as time goes by.


• Smart balance: Core system improvements allow your device to make the best of the flagship hardware specs.

As always, the package is having an incremental rollout. Thus, it will take time to reach all units. Meanwhile, you can track the update manually via Settings > About phone > Check for new updates

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Stable Android 12 update for Galaxy Z Flip 3 & Z Fold 3 resumes

The Android 12 based One UI 4.0 beta program for Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 made it to the stable phase in South Korea a few weeks earlier. However, the stable rollout had to be paused after users complained about the buggy software. Today, Samsung resumed the stable One UI 4.0 rollout for the foldable smartphones in the home country.

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The fresh Android 12 One UI 4.0 package for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 is live for South Korean users. The update can be identified by the firmware version F711NKSU2BUKL for the Galaxy Z Flip 3. While for the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the build arrives on the PDA number F926NKSU1BUL4. If the update proves to be stable, Samsung will start deploying the package in other countries as well.

The previous Android 12 One UI 4.0 update for the foldable devices kept on bricking. In simpler words, we can say that the phone keeps getting into recovery mode. Some other minor yet annoying issues were also reported. This includes screen flickering, dark mode, poor performance, and more.

Moreover, users were also whining over the dysfunction of the Dual Messenger feature and the inability to take screenshots, use Netflix and YouTube. Additionally, some devices were stuck on a 60Hz display refresh rate after the update.

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 users in South Korea can navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install in case the build doesn’t arrive over the next few days.

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Android 12 One UI 4.0 Beta 4 update is live for the Galaxy Note 20 series

Almost a month ago, Samsung released the Android 12 based One UI 4.0 beta for the Galaxy Note 20 series. The program has reached its fourth stage now, indicating that the final push is near. According to rumors, the lineup could get the stable One UI 4.0 in December 2021.

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Presently, the fourth One UI 4.0 beta update for the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is rolling out in South Korea. The testers in other markets should also be able to participate in the final beta release in the next few days. For the units in the home country, the beta update can be identified by the firmware version ZULB.

As per the changelog shared by the Samsung Community Manager, the fourth One UI 4.0 beta will address several issues that occurred in the previous beta builds. This includes Instagram and Facebook links not opening and KakaoTalk chat bubble icons not disappearing. Moreover, unlike before, the users will now be able to run the Kiwoom Securities app. Also, the last beta intends to ease the user experience and bring stability to the system.

As always, the update will arrive as an OTA if you are already on the One UI 4.0 beta firmware. If it doesn't reach out to you, track it manually via Software Update under the Settings app and tap on Download & Install. Needless to say, don't forget to take a backup of important data for the safe side.

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